How to handle and restrain a guinea pig for injections

This Animal Welfare Foundation two-part video tutorial is from expert veterinary staff demonstrating the correct procedures for handling small mammals for clinical examination and medication. Its aim is to show that the primary consideration should be for the the welfare of the animal. This video guide will show you practical animal handling for a guinea pig.

The techniques used to handle small mammals vary slightly with each species, however many of the general principles are the same. When handling all small mammals, a firm but gentle approach is advisable. This tutorial will outline recommended techniques for handling guinea pigs. The adoption of these techniques will help to minimize stress for the animals and help reduce the risk of bite injuries to the handler.

It is important that animals are aware of the handler’s presence before attempting to restrain them, particularly if the animal is initially asleep. This will reduce stress for the animal and help to avoid bite injuries.

Handling and Restraint:

To initially restrain a guinea pig, the handler should be rapid and smooth, to avoid frightening the animal.

The handler’s thumb is placed beneath the jaw of the guinea pig. The hindquarters of the guinea pig are supported by the handler’s other hand.

Handling for Injection:

The second video clip shows the correct injection techniques for a guinea pig.

Intraperitoneal injections are made into the lower half of the abdomen.

These videos were made by the AHWLA (Assessing the Health and Welfare of Laboratory Animals).